Give mind a break from monotony
Published 3-11-2008
I have games that I play when I’m bored and my mind wanders.
I call them, “Thoughts to Fondle.”
For example, I try to think of “goths” in all sorts of different situations. They somehow fascinate me.
Do they eat pizza with their friends in a basement? Would they play Nintendo Wii? Do they have makeup remover and Q-Tips when their eyeliner doesn’t go on quite right?
Or I try to list off all of the different types of Coke we now have and wonder if it would blow peoples’ minds from the fifties. Coke, Diet Coke, Coke with lime, Cherry Coke, Caffeine Free Coke, etc. You get the point.
But one of my favorites is to try to think of things that are both (and that is the keyword) “hilarious and terrifying.”
It’s actually kind of hard if you try.
Martha Stewart? Hilarious and terrifying. (At least to me). Clowns? Definitely hilarious and terrifying. Being chased by a crazed squirrel on campus and throwing a NutriGrain to get it away from you? Obviously, hilarious and terrifying.
But I recently added a new one to my list – living in an episode of “The Office.”
It’s completely true if you think about it. The show is absolutely hilarious. But if I ever found myself living it out – terrifying.
This all came to me on a recent trip to Denver where I was able to tour a public relations firm and an advertising agency.
The public relations firm had a twist to it that not many offices do. There were brightly colored walls, folk art everywhere to enjoy and even an office mascot, Homer the hedgehog. It was like being drawn into a world of whimsy and visual stimulation. The work spaces were inspiring and made sure that employees’ minds had a chance to wander and relax.
The advertising agency was also interesting and different. It had splashes of colors throughout, interesting art and posters and a free and open work space. There was even a Foosball table to play on and a funky dress on a dress form in the waiting area.
Everyone in both offices seemed happy and relaxed. The important thing, too, is that both offices also seemed productive and professional.
However, my favorite thing by far out of the two was a nearly life-sized sheep made out of paper shred at the public relations agency. I am now determined to somehow make my own. Eat your heart out, Martha Stewart.
Being in these spaces showed me a world far from the one I see in the episodes of “The Office.” “The Office” is hilarious and terrifying in the way that it is so true to life but somehow makes fun of it at the same time. But once you find yourself actually arguing over what pizza place to order from or hearing underhanded comments in the break room, it’s not so funny.
I find it inspiring and wonderful to see places that refuse to slump to that status quo.
Places where people aren’t swallowed up by walls of beige and generic art. Places where a hedgehog will roll by in his blue plastic ball while you’re working and make you smile.
And it’s not just work – it’s life. You should want to make your mind break from the monotony and take notice of fun and thought-provoking things. It can be colorful walls, a variety of art or even purchasing neon-colored plastic cups to use instead of boring red or clear.
It is challenging your mind to stay awake and stimulated – similar to the games I play when my own mind wanders. And I will continue to seek out and create my own exciting atmospheres to surround me and live my life in.
And if you think of anything else that is both hilarious and terrifying, make sure to let me know.
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